Can I Power Wash a Brick House?

Of course, there is every reason to keep your brick house looking new. After all, it is an investment and it is something you actually love. See, bricks have been a go-to choice for a couple of years simply because of its rich, timeless appeal. They just never grow old, so to speak. But as time passes by, you might find the need to contact DOFF cleaning provider to get your brick house cleaned.

A common question many people often asked is, “Is it okay to power wash a brick house?” Absolutely, there is nothing wrong about it – and it is even an effective method to use in stone cleaning. Perhaps what you need to keep in mind is that right way of doing it. A power washer is even enough to bring the glory back to your bricks. 

So, without further ado, let’s take a look at how you should properly power wash your brick house. You can thank us later!

Patch Mortar between Bricks

The very first thing that you need to accomplish is patching any damaged mortar joints, and it should be done at least a week before you start cleaning. Remember to harden the patch for about seven days to ensure quality and durability. If you do not do this, water can easily seep behind the brick and, worse, cause mould to exist in your walls. Now, that is something you do not want to happen, right? Sure, this can be a difficult process to get by, not to mention the fact that it is a bit time-consuming. However, it is designed to maintain the structural integrity of your bricks.

Wet the Brick Wall

Start by soaking the surface of your property accordingly. Do not rush yourself into applying detergents right away. It is important that you wet the brick first before anything else. Doing this will prepare you for the overall process of cleaning your brick house; hence, everything becomes smoother and more manageable. To make sure that soaking is done in an even manner, remember to spray water starting from the top all the way to the bottom. Also, do it gradually so you can really rundown on all uneven streams.

Apply the Right Detergent

Now that you are done wetting the brick, it is time to apply your detergent. It should be noted that using the right detergent is important here. So, in other words, only use a detergent designed for brick or exterior cleaning. If you use an incorrect one, the detergent will only allow dirt and grimes to stick to your mortar. Obviously, you are defeating the purpose of power washing your brick house. Once you are done applying the detergent, let it sit there for about 10 to 15 minutes. Give the brick enough detergent and water to ensure that all areas with dirt are covered cleaned.

Brush to Remove Stains

Unfortunately, no matter how good your detergent can be, there are always difficult stains. They are so hard to remove that regardless of how many times you apply water and detergent, they remain unmoved. This is where you are going to use a rotary scrub brush, which is a less abrasive method than moving forward with water and high pressure. To really break up tough stains, use a combination of detergent and brushing. Rub with enough pressure, but do not make it too rough that your bricks seem to lose its quality and appeal. The detergent is already enough to soften these stains, while the brush helps in removing them completely.

Rinse Thoroughly

Once you have given the detergent enough to sit and those tough stains are removed, it is time to start spraying. The spray pattern, however, should be delicate in order to prevent damages on your bricks. Otherwise, too much pressure will only affect your bricks’ quality and structure. When wetting the brick, you also have to move from the top all the way to the bottom. Since you are using a pressure washer or DOFF cleaning method, it is imperative that you do not hold it off in a single spot. Try to move in a circular motion, especially when hovering around tough stains.  Once you are done rinsing, the last thing you want to do is apply a sealant.